Celebrating women in STEM: talent, skills and life-long growth

Driving innovation through diversity

Tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges—from advancing healthcare to combating climate change—requires harnessing the full spectrum of diverse talent. Achieving a net-zero future demands fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation, all of which thrive in unique research environments. This makes it crucial to empower more women in STEM fields. However, gender disparities persist: women receive smaller research grants than their male colleagues and make up only 33.3% of researchers worldwide. Furthermore, just 12% of national science academy members are women, and in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, only 22% of professionals are female.¹

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations is a reminder of the critical role women and girls play in shaping scientific and technological progress. At our research center in Dättwil, Switzerland, women scientists are making remarkable contributions—watch this video to learn more:

Across the globe: showcasing role-models and building lifelong skills

We are dedicated to fostering the next generation of women in STEM by showcasing real-life role models and implementing programs that build lifelong competence. Our skill-building initiatives, ranging from robotics education to FIA Girls on Track, leverage technology, sustainability, and innovation to inspire young women worldwide.

Some recent examples include our Speed Mentoring Event with North Carolina Coastal Pines Girl Scouts at Meredith College in (Raleigh, NC), a kickoff event for our Girls in STEM in China the Sustainable Talent Program in Italy and others.

Global Partnerships for Women in STEM:

• ABB and FEMTEC (Germany): A decade-long partnership connecting female STEM students with industry leaders to support STEM careers development.

• ABB and Society of Women Engineers (SWE): As part of SWE’s global Corporate Partnership Council, we annually sponsor over 120 employees, supporting SWE’s mission of achieving gender parity. Our commitment has earned us:
  🏆 the Mission Silver Award
  🏆 the Employer Champion Award 2024

• ABB and Women in Tech Finland: Since 2015, ABB Finland has collaborated with Women in Tech to promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.

   

Redefining success beyond gender norms

Role models are essential in helping women and girls visualize themselves in STEM careers. That’s why we are proud to highlight Angeles Fernandez, Local Division Manager at ELSE, who is redefining success beyond gender norms. In Universum’s Against the Current podcast, she discusses cultural differences, instinct, and the power of representation in male-dominated fields. Her story serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to break barriers in STEM.

Looking Ahead

Empowering women in STEM is about ensuring the best ideas and solutions come to the forefront. By fostering an inclusive environment, promoting role models, and supporting initiatives that build lifelong skills, we can continue shaping a future where women in science and technology thrive. 

Footnotes

¹ United Nations: International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations